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2012 VW Passat Priced at Under $20,000 in the US

In Europe, you might have to sell a bit of your kidney or your dog for the latest Passat model, but in the US, Das Auto has managed to offer the model from only $19,995 (plus $770 in destination charges), according to the latest press release. Add that to the Jetta, which now cost $16,495, and you have a very attractive offering.

So how have they done it? Well, if you go for that base model, all that’s going to be attractive is the sheet metal and the shiny ‘VW’ badge at the front, because under the bonnet you’ll find the same archaic 170 horsepower 2.5-liter engine as in the the Jetta. For the base price you’ll also be greeted by a five-speed manual transmission and 16-inch steel rims. The Passat comes standard with automatic dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel audio controls and Volkswagen's no-charge three-year/36,000 mile scheduled Carefree Maintenance Program.

"The 2012 Passat is a true Volkswagen, offering German engineering, class-leading standard features, and superior fuel economy, all for a remarkable value," said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. "Demonstrating our commitment to the American market, the car will be produced at one of the newest, most advanced, and environmentally responsible auto assembly plants in the world in Chattanooga, Tennessee."

Open your wallet up a little bit more for the SE model, for which you’ll be spending $23,725, and you’ll get extra equipment like 17-inch alloy wheels, 8-way power driver seat, heated front seats, touchscreen Premium VIII radio, and a multi-Function leather-wrapped steering wheel (see 2012 Passat pricing chart for further details and additional model information).

That’s only a trim level, but the model you’ll really want - the Passat TDI with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and up to 43 mpg highway - cost $25,995.

What’s more, the US Passat also gets a range-topping VR6 which spits out 280 hp (controlled by a standard dual clutch transmission) for $28,995. There are just 16 buildable configurations for the Passat, and each engine choice is available in three trim levels: S, SE and SEL.

The new Passat and Jetta will play a key role in Volkswagen's plans to take over America. The carmaker intends to triple the total annual volume of all of its models in the USA to about 800,000 units by 2018.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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